Yolo County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Yolo County, California public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Federal Cuts Hit CalFresh Nutrition Education
The federal bill shifts costs to counties and tightens eligibility. Keeping CalFresh at current levels costs Yolo County about $950,000 more a year; doing nothing could drop 8,400 residents from food assistance and cut the program budget by $4.2 million.
Measure X transient occupancy tax increase on November ballot
The county wants to raise the hotel/short-term rental tax in unincorporated areas from 8% to 12%, matching nearby cities — worth about $250,000 a year, mostly from the UC Davis hotel. Ordinance language comes back May 26; voters would decide in November.
Future of Yolo County's membership in Area 4 Agency on Aging
The county pays $56,588 a year into the seven-county aging agency and gets back about $1.1 million in services — Meals on Wheels, ombudsman visits, caregiver support. Starting in 2027, counties can split off and run their own agency, and the county's Aging Ad Hoc is studying whether to do just that, with a letter of intent due in January.
2026-27 Master Fee Schedule Increases
Most county fees go up July 1 to reach full cost recovery, generating roughly $725,000 a year. Four steep building permit hikes — windows, HVAC, new homes, re-roofs — were pulled back for more study after concerns about hits to rural homeowners.
FY 2026-27 budget deficit and proposed layoffs
The county's budget gap jumped from $23.5 million to $35.2 million because HHSA needs $11.7 million in general fund help to keep services running amid federal HR 1 cuts. Layoffs, vacant position eliminations, and contract cuts are all on the table, with details coming April 28 and final decisions in June.
County Vacancies Under AB 2561
HR reported the county's vacancy rate is about 9% and no bargaining unit exceeds the 20% reporting threshold. Hiring takes about 12 weeks due to extra budget reviews, and supervisors discussed how cautious hiring is affecting services and workforce morale.
In-Home Supportive Services under federal and state funding pressure
The IHSS Advisory Committee warned that federal HR 1 Medicaid cuts and repeated recertification requirements threaten services for nearly 4,000 county consumers, and asked the Board to keep advocating at state and federal levels, including for the Be Home Soon California proposal.
HHSA budget cuts and Medi-Cal coverage risks
Supervisor Allen raised concerns about losing a communicable disease position as disease rates rise, comparing the risk to pre-pandemic staffing levels. HHSA said it will seek state assistance if risks increase.
Delinquent solid waste accounts
122 households with a year or more of unpaid trash bills will see the debt — totaling $73,523 — placed on their property tax bills, after two property owners caught up and were removed.
Election certification contest
Speakers again contested the certification of the June 2 primary election, alleging lack of transparency and threatening prosecution claims. The Board accepted the certified results on the consent agenda.
ERAF property tax fairness fix
Yolo County loses about $3 million a year to a state property-tax formula error dating to West Sacramento's 1987 incorporation. Senator Cabaldon is carrying a budget fix; if it passes, money would arrive in the following fiscal year.
Potential sales tax measure for 2028
Supervisors debated a possible sales tax — a 1% unincorporated-area tax would raise about $6 million, while a countywide tax could raise $40-50 million but needs state legislation because Davis and West Sacramento are at the cap. The board agreed to keep exploring, possibly with voter polling, targeting 2028.